Charlie Grey & Joseph Peach - A Breaking Sky

After designing soundtracks and enchanting live audiences with their distinctive style, Charlie Grey and Joseph Peach released their fifth album as a duo. A Breaking Sky was recorded live in the evocative scenario of Ardkinglas House, on the shores of Loch Fyne in Argyll, a detail that contributes to their very recognisable sound.

The gentle Ho Rò Mo Nighean Donn opens the album and introduces the listener to this imaginative musical journey. It is followed by 11 other tracks, all displaying these musicians’ peculiar interplay and their ability to add a sensible touch of improvisation that, whilst not altering the traditional core of the melody, adds complexity and character to the overall result.

A special mention goes to MacLeod of Strathconon, possibly the most striking track. It’s delivered with Grey’s trademark sensitive fiddle playing on a sparse, but very poignant and effective piano backdrop by Peach; probably the best recording to share with someone who wants to discover their music.

Once again, their interpretation of folk tunes is highly individual, characterised by the delicate mix of traditional repertoire with subtle grains of cinematic, chamber and classical music. This is particularly palpable in tracks such as Sorley’s Slide and Mo Dachaidh Muideart, which would perfectly fit at a folk gig and as a short movie soundtrack at the same time.

The duo’s innovative approach to music-making, marked by their distinctive visual interpretations, calm stride and genuine improvisation, makes A Breaking Sky a truly immersive and evocative artistic experience, combining old and new, tradition and intuition, mind and soul.